SUKKUR: Seasonal vendors and hawkers have set up their businesses, selling Iftar items, on footpaths of almost all markets of the Sukkur city which is creating problems for the pedestrians.
Encroachments in different markets are at its peak as the concerned authorities are taking no action.
Muhammad Tahir, a shopkeeper at Ghareeb Abad market, said that encroachments are the main reason behind traffic jams in the holy month of Ramzan, as the encroachers have occupied almost half of the roads.
“The concerned authorities should play an effective role to remove these encroachments from the roads for smooth flow of traffic,” he urged.
Another shopkeeper, Rizwan Ahmed, said that footpaths in different markets are crowded with stalls of different snacks, dates, fruits and other edibles.
Customers who visit these markets don’t have enough space to walk. It is difficult for them to even buy consumers items in such a mess.
“We have been receiving requests from the shopkeepers to allow display of their item on the outdoor stalls. Consequently, we have taken a policy decision to allow them the same, temporarily, during the holy month of Ramzan,” said an official of TMA.
He said as Eid is approaching, the crowd has increased manifold and customers take time to choose what to buy so by placing highly demanded items outside the shops, the decision becomes easier.
He said that the crowd on sweets shops is also increasing, particularly those selling samosas, pakoras, and other related items consumed during Iftar. Likewise, the cosmetics and general stores selling bangles, dresses and hosiery items are also crowded.
However, the TMA has clarified that no shopkeeper would be allowed to encroach on footpath except those selling Ramzan and Eid-specific items.
